Every year the influenza (flu) vaccine is updated to better match the viruses that will likely be circulating that year. The flu vaccine is the best and most effective way to prevent serious illness from the influenza virus. During the most recent flu season, it was estimated there were more than 300,000 people hospitalized and more than 20,000 people died from the flu in the United States.*
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends yearly vaccination for all adults and children who are at least 6 months old. For people ages 65 and older, the CDC recommends a high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted flu vaccine – which helps create a stronger immune response. These three formulations are also options for adults less than 65 who have undergone a solid organ transplant. It’s also important to note that a history of egg allergy is no longer a contraindication to receiving influenza vaccination.
Marshfield Clinic Health System will offer flu vaccines appropriate for age and health conditions of all patients in the 2024-25 season. For the 2024-25 flu season, we will offer FluZONE and FluZONE high-dose, available for patients aged 65 and older.
When to get the flu vaccine?
Marshfield Clinic Health System will offer flu vaccines throughout the fall and winter but getting vaccinated early is important since the flu season is unpredictable.
“Everyone should get a flu vaccine this year, preferably before November,” said Dr. Edward Belongia, a scientist at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute who studies vaccine safety and effectiveness. “Flu seasons are unpredictable in terms of timing and severity, and in some years we see substantial flu activity in November. It takes a couple weeks for your immune system to respond and generate protection after vaccination.”
If you would like a certain flu vaccine product, please call ahead or talk to your provider about which flu vaccine option is best for you.
Why get vaccinated?
Flu viruses are constantly changing to escape the immune system, and each year the flu vaccine is updated to match the current viruses. The vaccine provides the best protection when there is a close match between the vaccine and the circulating flu viruses.
Flu vaccine effectiveness varies in different years and populations, and vaccine effectiveness studies are conducted each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During the 2023-24 season, pediatric influenza vaccine effectiveness was 59% to 67% in outpatient settings and 52% to 61% against influenza-associated hospitalization, according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Interim adult influenza vaccine effectiveness was 33% to 49% in outpatient settings and 41% to 44% against influenza-associated hospitalization.
“Many people do not get the flu vaccine even though it is very safe and effective,” said Dr. Belongia. “Only about one-third of people in Wisconsin choose to get this safe and effective vaccine.”
Last flu season, there was an increase in childhood deaths from the flu. There were an estimated 188 pediatric deaths, compared to 162 the year prior. Nearly 90% of these children were not vaccinated against the flu.
Protecting children from illness, especially flu, is important when you’re a parent and especially true when your children are very young. Getting the flu vaccine does not guarantee that you won’t get the flu, although it does decrease your risk. More importantly, the vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illness leading to hospitalization and death.
Where should you get vaccinated?
The Health System offers flu vaccines at primary care locations during flu season. Flu vaccine appointments are preferred. Our locations also offer flu clinics periodically throughout the season to make it convenient for patients and community members to stop in for a flu vaccine.
With several options on where to get your flu vaccine, it is better to get your vaccine with your care team or established health system.
“Getting the influenza vaccine with your health care provider allows them to make sure you are up to date on all other vaccines and preventive services,” said Dr. Thomas Boyce, pediatric infectious disease provider with Marshfield Children’s. “It also allows for your provider to have the vaccination record right away.”
If you do not have an established primary care provider, visit marshfieldclinic.org/primarycare to find a provider near you.
Visit marshfieldclinic.org/flu for more information about flu season.
*Editor’s note: This article reflects data that is subject to change each year. For updated influenza data, visit cdc.gov/flu.
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